Solar Company in Aurora IL

Aurora Solar

Solar Company in Aurora

It is easy to build your own solar panel.

Solar energy is undoubtedly the future. Where energy is concerned this “green energy” known as solar energy will likely outlive many other energy sources according to experts and it’s ability to avoid negative impact on the environment makes it that much more appealing to those of us who are environmentally conscious. Another factor to consider is the fact that, aside from initial setup and installation, solar energy is free which will hold some appeal to homeowners.

One way to look at this is that solar cells are contained in things called solar panels. The energy that solar cells produce from sunlight is electricity. When sunlight hits the silicone material in solar cells, an electrical process occurs. One solar cell can generate about 0.5 volts of power, which is why a solar panel is made up of numerous solar cells. The thought of being able to eliminate your electric bill is what causes many people to make solar panels on their own with the hope of replacing all of their electrical needs. For those of you that are not very handy with tools, it is recommended that you obtain help from your family that can help you with sawing and soldering wires.

Before you install any solar panels, you should do some research, as the kind you get should be based on how much sunlight your area gets. Depending on the amount of sunlight you get, you may be better off with a concentrating solar collector or a non-concentrating collector.

If you receive lots of sunlight most of the year, you should get a solar panel that can efficiently absorb direct sunlight, which would be a concentrating solar collector. Not everyone lives in a place that gets a lot of direct sunlight, though, and for anyone in this category a non-concentrating solar collector, which can absorb sunlight from reflection as well as directly, is the perfect choice. You can always consult with an expert if you don’t know which type of solar panel would be appropriate for you.

If you are doing all of this yourself, it’s important to remember that a solar panel is essentially a set of solar cells grouped within a container, which you will need to create for your solar panels. Because wood is often easier to work with it is often the material of choice when building solar panels. For the back of the solar panel, plywood is a great choice although there are many other types of wood that are also acceptable. You will then need to have some sort of stabilization inside the box (usually wood as well) and a top made of plexiglass to cover the container. That plexiglass cover will allow sunlight to be absorbed by the cells while remaining protected from the elements. You’ll want to remember to drill a whole for the wires to be pulled through as well. Now that you have the cells mounted it becomes necessary to connect each to the next using a bit of solder.

There has never been a more ideal time to use solar energy, as heating and other utility costs soar and the state of the economy remains uncertain. Solar energy gives you a viable option that frees you from being dependent on the power companies, no matter what happens in the future.